Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah – Sednayah, Syria - Atlas Obscura
Holiday Gift Guide: Atlas Obscura Books and Calendars
What's near me?

Sednayah, Syria

Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah

One of the oldest monasteries in the world is a key pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians.  

Left: The Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah Borisborough (Atlas Obscura User)
Right: The domes on the Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah. Borisborough (Atlas Obscura User)
The domes on the Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah. Borisborough (Atlas Obscura User)
This entry is a stub
Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah with additional information or photos.

Believed to be built in 547 by Byzantine emperor Justinian I, the Monastery of Our Lady of Sednayah is one of the oldest monasteries in the world. The monastery is currently maintained by a religious order of nuns and overlooks the small town of Sednayah. The religious outpost is about 34 kilometers north of Damascus. Inside the convent is an icon of St. Mary allegedly painted by St Luke. 

monastery
Community Discussion
  • No Comments Yet
    • Start the discussion.
Near This Place
Damascus, Syria

October War Panorama

3D war panorama in Damascus built with help from North Korea.
LeahC Added by LeahC
Set Zaynab, Syria

Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque

This ornate mosque is said to hold the remains of Muhammad's granddaughter beneath its dome of pure gold.
A FOSTER Added by A FOSTER
Baalbek, Lebanon

Baalbek Trilithon

The largest hewn stone in history.
An-Nabk District, Syria

Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi

This ancient mountain monastery welcomes all manner of faith in an effort to keep Christians in Syria.
A FOSTER Added by A FOSTER
Related Places
Mileševo, Serbia

‘Beli Anđeo’ (‘White Angel’)

After this medieval Serbian fresco was hidden for centuries, an image of it became one of the first to be sent into space.
Added by alexplorer
Vleteren, Belgium

Westvleteren

Stocking up on the world's best beer requires a pilgrimage to a monastery drive-through.
Sam OBrien Added by Sam OBrien
Malmesbury, England

Malmesbury Abbey Musket Damage

Scars from the English Civil War mar this medieval sanctuary.
CoolestCrab Added by CoolestCrab
Athens, Greece

Petraki Monastery

The oldest standing Byzantine church in Athens is tucked within a monastery in the middle of an upscale shopping district.
gus619USA Added by gus619USA